Better Place for a Family: Alameda vs. Estudillo Estates-Glen (Oakland: crime, buying a home)

[ceeze07]

I am researching the East Bay for a potential landing spot for my family. I really like what Alameda offers as far as being a safe and calm environment. On the flip side, Estudillo Estates has its own charm to it. My concern with San Leandro's Estudillo Estates is the the surround City of Oakland. I really don't want to have to worry about the Oakland crime issues slip over wherever we end up. I know all Cities have there share of small crime and petty thief, but gangs and guns are a real deal breaker. I can't see pay $500k plus on a home, where my wife to be afraid to go to the store. Should I be worried? Positive feedback welcomed.

[dragontales]

Be careful what you say about Oakland. Some folks will defend til death.

In any case, I would choose Alameda.

[ceeze07]

I should clarify. I do like part of Oakland (Montclair, Piedmont, Upper Rockridge, Glenview and Oakmore) which I am looking into as well. I am concerned with the same thing everyone else is concerned with out of Oakland. "The Violence"!!

[dragontales]

Ahhhh! You've opened a can of worm with the violence talk...

Yes out of those places you've listed, it should be fine. Just don't wander into the depth of International blvd.

[ceeze07]

I mean no disrespect! I am African American and actually have family in parts of Oakland. I hope people don't go there. It's really uncalled for.

[MovingAloha]

Originally Posted by ceeze07

I mean no disrespect! I am African American and actually have family in parts of Oakland. I hope people don't go there. It's really uncalled for.

I and my family are African American and we lived in Alameda in the 90s before buying a home in Antioch in '94. I absolutely love Alameda and still have good friends there. Antioch has since deteriorated, so if we were to move back to the bay area, we would definitely be looking at Alameda as our target area. The island has a small town feel, the schools are good and the general family environment is perfect. Good luck in your decision.

[dragontales]

Antioch? Ouch. Yeah that city has gone downhill.

[MovingAloha]

Originally Posted by dragontales

Antioch? Ouch. Yeah that city has gone downhill.

Yeah, when we bought in 94, it was still growing and the questionable areas were limited to a certain area and a few streets. We loved our neighbors in the Shelbourne Development and there was a good community feel. We sold in 96 to move to DC and all our friends told us we sold at the right time. My son's friends have all told them how the town went through a helluva time in the late 90s.

[ceeze07]

Thanks for the info. I have heard that the property taxes in Alameda are pretty high, due to the school and etc.. Has anyone dealt or heard about this?

[Tallysmom]

Alameda -- Estudillo Estates is having problems. I'm going to get flack for this, but San Leandro has gone down hill. I know that area well, and I shop in the Broadmoor District and up at the Rite Aid on Foothill... and the Ace Hardware and the Donut Shop have been vandalized and several business have been broken into. It's an ongoing thing.

I feel safe there -- but I don't walk to the stores, AND I don't walk at night. I'm too old for that.

And if you have kids -- Alameda schools have GOT to be better than San Leandro...

Also -- I live in Oakland, just over the border of San Leandro. It's not that we're cheerleaders and people get in trouble for talking about our crime problems.... it's that we're tired of being defined by our crime problems. Even the bad parts of Oakland aren't as bad as some would love to make them out to be.